Thursday, April 19, 2018

Caretaker government?

Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the construction of the building was to cater for the needs of the hospital which was now offering 18 areas of specialty to members of the public. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

SEGAMAT, April 19 ― The Barisan Nasional (BN)-led government has approved an allocation of RM90.5 million to build a new building at the Segamat Specialist Hospital.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the construction of the building was to cater for the needs of the hospital which was now offering 18 areas of specialty to members of the public.

Wait a ding dong minute, can a 'caretaker' government approve such an allocation?

It's convention that a 'caretaker' government ... will avoid entering major contracts or undertakings during the caretaker period.

If it is not possible to defer the commitment until after the caretaker period, for legal, commercial or other reasons, a minister could consult the Opposition, or agencies could deal with the contractor and ensure that contracts include clauses providing for termination in the event of an incoming government not wishing to proceed. Similar provisions cover tendering.

Since parliament has been dissolved on 07 April 2018 by consent of HM the Agong, and today being the 19th April 2018, the 'caretaker' government must abide by prescribed conventions.

About Me

Just a bloke interested in the socio-political whatnots around the world, particularly those in Malaysia. Loves a laugh or/and story or two, or more, but loves civility and courtesy much more, especially in politics